Contents From the Chair 3 Members’ Open Meetings 4 Theatre Trips 5-6 Events 6 Outings 7-9 Group Support Team 10 New Members 10 Group News 11 Spotlight on Creative Writing 12-13 Summary of Interest Groups 14-15 In Their Own Words—from Members 16-17 Your Committee 18 National u3a Website 19 Around St Ives 20-23 All contributions for the January newsletter should be submitted to Anne Bannell by 17th December. I would particularly welcome any of your Christmas lunch pictures if your group is having a festive do before 17th December. Features, reviews, activities, spotlights—any other suggestions—for the March Magazine should be submitted before 17th February. editor@u3aivo.uk 2

From the Chair 3 We have reached a significant milestone, as we have just welcomed our 1000th member! More about this on a later page. As I write this, we are looking forward to our first "event" - a quiz. Thanks to the Events team who are putting this on, and I wish everyone a happy evening and good memories! Later in this magazine there is a look back at the year from one of our longest-standing teams - the Outings team. They have taken members to lots of interesting places in 2025, and I see they have a full programme for 2026 too. Many of us have also enjoyed trips arranged by our Theatre Trips team, and there is a review of one of them in this magazine. They all seem to get booked up very quickly! Another team we hear from on later pages is our Group Support Team, and they can be really helpful for anyone thinking about starting a new interest group. Our Open Meetings team continue to provide a really good experience for members who come and listen to our many excellent speakers - and an opportunity to sit afterwards with friends old and new, with a cup of tea or coffee. I am grateful to everyone who is part of a team, as what you do is important to our life together. Perhaps less obvious are the "behind the scenes" teams, such as the committee and the various support teams (for Beacon, the website, membership, finances etc). You are valuable and important to us too. We are establishing two new subcommittees, to examine and propose changes to (1) our "Health and Safety" policy and practices, and (2) our "Application process". A few trustees are leading these, but we would really welcome one or two other members to join us for a few months. You do not need to be an expert but could you contribute in this way? If you want to find out more email me on chair@u3aivo.uk or telephone 07458 197372. Lastly, may I wish you a very happy Christmas, and many blessings in 2026. Peter Cooper, Chair Website: stivescambs.u3asite.uk or u3aivo.uk email: chair@u3aivo.uk, if no email then call 07458 197372

Members’ Open Meetings Date Subject and Speaker Thurs 4th Dec Christmas Special STOP PRESS Last few seats remaining but please book via the website before coming (or telephone 07458 197372). Members who have booked will receive a reminder email but please do not come unless you have booked, as we may have to turn you away at the door. Thurs 8th Jan Writing Military Aviation Thrillers and Rise of the Indie Writer Speaker: James Blatch James Blatch is a former BBC Defence Reporter and a former BBFC Film Examiner. He reported for the BBC on the UK military from, among other places, HMS Invincible (Operation Desert Fox build up), Kuwait (Ali Al Salem allied air base), the Arctic Circle as well as covering the UK air offensive during the Kosovo Conflict in 1999. Thurs 12th Feb Surviving Saudi Arabia Speaker: Maggie James Maggie James recounts the trials and tribulations of living with her husband and 2 small children in Saudi Arabia. The experiences of living and teaching during 5 years of her life have led Maggie to write a novel No Way Home. All Members’ Open Meetings are held at the Corn Exchange, St Ives 1.20pm for 2.00pm start. Please note: We kindly ask that members wishing to discuss membership matters or to book outings or theatre trips please arrive early to avoid disruption. Committee members and the Group Support Team will be available after the meeting to answer questions and discuss any matters of concern. A full list of this year’s Open Meetings: https://stivescambs.u3asite.uk/monthly-meetings/ 4

Theatre Trips 5 Booking Procedure for Outings and Theatre Trips PLEASE DO NOT PAY FOR TRIPS BEFORE YOUR BOOKING HAS BEEN CONFIRMED • Bookings can be made at Members’ Open Meetings or on the website • Theatre Trips: https://stivescambs.u3asite.uk/u3a_groups/theatre-trips/ • Outings: https://stivescambs.u3asite.uk/u3a_groups/outings/ • Outings: Sue Belcher (07778425052 —Strictly for members with no internet) • When booking a trip on the web page, click on the blue envelope, please DO NOT click on 'CONTACT' at the very top of the page. • ALWAYS BOOK BEFORE PAYING. All bookings will be confirmed. • BACS payment preferred please, either online or by going into your branch • Payment: St Ives (Cambs) U3A Social Account • Sort code: 40-16-08 Account: 74557352 • Ref: u3a membership number and trip name • If no alternative, cheques made payable to: St Ives (Cambs) U3A Social Account • Payment to be made at least six weeks prior to the trip Wednesday 10 th June 2026 Operation Mincemeat Milton Keynes Theatre The year is 1943 and right now we're losing the war. Luckily, we're about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse. Singin' in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Operation Mincemeat is the fast- paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. TICKET FOR MATINEE PERFORMANCE £50 PLUS TRAVEL TBA (under £20) BOOKING WILL OPEN AT THE OPEN MEETING ON THURSDAY 4 TH DECEMBER Tina Turner the Musical—Wednesday 4th February ABBA Voyage—Sunday 3rd May WAITING LISTS ONLY

Theatre Trips—review 6 Breaking the Code We had a successful first visit to the New Theatre at Peterborough to see Breaking the Code. Lovely theatre, very modern, easy access and lots of leg room. We were treated to a pre-show party with sausage rolls, cake and hot drinks. We were entertained by three girl singers, singing familiar songs from that era, all very good. We were also able to choose some sweeties to take with us. A very good day and hopefully we will visit that theatre again soon. Kathy Meadows This was a very good production with an excellent cast that portrayed the events leading up to Alan Turing’s suicide. The addition of an epilogue at the end was a nice touch bringing the story up to date with his pardon for being a homosexual which was a crime at the time. Graham Emmett New year , new exercise opportunity! In partnership with the St. Ives Care Together funding we are delighted to offer two exercise sessions for all members. The first session will be chair based exercises and is booked at One Leisure on Friday 9th January. The second session is called Golden Games and takes place on Friday 13th March. Each session is for a one hour duration and commences at 2pm. Numbers for both sessions are limited so we encourage interested members to book early! The booking link is: https://stivescambs.u3asite.uk/u3a_groups/events/ Please note that there is no charge for these events. Events

7 Outings The Museum of Cambridge Castle St, Cambridge Thursday 19th February 2026 A small museum, with a big story. The Museum has told the extraordinary stories of ordinary people since 1936. A collection of over 40,000 everyday objects. Arrive for 11:30 Introductory Talk Free time to wander around the museum Own transport or Guided Bus Cost TBC Gladstone Pottery Museum The filming location of the Great Pottery Throw Down (Stoke on Trent) Wednesday March 18 th 2026 Visit the only complete Victorian pottery factory from the days when coal burning ovens made the world's finest bone china. A fascinating insight into the history of The Potteries. Experience what conditions were like for the men, women and children who worked at the centre of the world’s pottery industry. Arrive in time for coffee (not included) and guided tour. Café serves lunches. Afternoon free to wander around the Museum at your own pace. Cost £28

Review of our u3a Outings 2025 8 After the unexpected death of our lovely Outings coordinator Wendy Wagstaffe in August 2024, the Outings group faced a difficult year ahead to keep going with its organisation and leadership. However Sue Belcher and Lydia Harris, long time members of the team, quickly sent out the call for new help to meet up and find our way forward and book some Outings that Wendy would have been proud of. They have certainly succeeded there! March The year kicked off in March with a trip to the excellent National Stud, Newmarket and then onto explore Bury St Edmonds. April In April we took off for a full day visit to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, a very interesting and moving destination with its 400 memorials to commemorate bravery, service and sacrifice across the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and civilian organisations. The Arboretum is well worth a visit, a beautiful place for personal reflection with peaceful walks and a small train to take you between the monuments and their stories and it is free to enter. May The merry month of May took us to a very different destination; an outing to visit firstly the Gordon Boswell Romany Museum where we were greeted by Margaret Boswell and her daughter for coffee and a very personal Romany introduction to this fascinating and very rare and beautiful collection of Romany wagons and culture, all collected by Gordon Boswell and family over many years and it is quite unique. We then moved on just around the corner to Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens. The Hall is one of the most significant survivors from the medieval period, boasting a variety of styles from across five hundred years of changing style. Now in the keeping of Spalding Council we enjoyed free entry and an interesting guided tour of the Hall. Within is housed an eclectic collection of art and artifacts reflecting the history of the house and Spalding with its wool trade and trade on the river Welland. The grounds include the Spalding War Memorial designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and this is a grade 1 listed structure. The garden also contains some large ancient Yew trees that give it a very special atmosphere. This was a very popular day out! June We were back in Lincolnshire in June visiting Doddington Hall built between 1595 and 1600. Its contents include textiles, ceramics, furniture and pictures that reflect 400 years of unbroken family occupation. In 1762 Sir John Hussey Delaval covered every inch of the Holly room including the doors with Flemish tapestries. The gardens include an outdoor theatre a temple and many sculptures amongst plenty of parkland in which to wander. This is a busy estate to visit with a farm shop, home store, country clothing shop as well as cafes and a restaurant. Well worth a visit. July Off we went to Warwickshire in July to visit Packwood House NT a much restored Tudor house with a park, garden and notable topiary. This is a personal gem for me to visit as I enjoyed some lovely childhood visits there. It started life as a modest timber-framed

9 farmhouse owned by John Fetherston in 1556 and later in 1925 it was purchased by the Birmingham industrialist family of Alfred Ash. The next two decades were spent creating a house of Tudor character. In 1941 Ash donated the house and gardens to the NT. The Yew garden containing over 100 trees was laid out to represent the Sermon on the Mount, including Apostles, Evangelists and a spiral path leading up to the Mount. Very close by we moved on to the moated manor house of Baddesley Clinton NT an intimate estate set in the heart of the Forest of Arden with 500 years of fascinating history. Henry Ferrers 1549-1633 owned the house and added the great hall. They were a Roman Catholic family and after the Reformation they sheltered many priests in secret passages and priest holes. A unique property. August A visit to the seaside, two seasides! was thoroughly enjoyed in sunny August. Wells Next the Sea in the morning and Hunstanton for the afternoon. The weather was perfect and I am told a good time was had by all. Good weather, food and plenty of ice cream!! (Do You remember the photo of John and Sue Ralph with ice-cream on front cover of the newsletter?) September In September we had a great day out with the weather in our favour. Woodbridge was very interesting particularly on the quay where, in the Long Shed, a reconstruction of the Anglo-Saxon burial ship found at Sutton Hoo is being built. Moving on to Framlingham Castle in the afternoon we had time to explore the Castle and for the more energetic walk around the walls. October October was the month we visited the magnificent Belton House near Grantham. Described as the finest of Carolean architecture and the only truly vernacular style of architecture that England produced since the Tudor period. The complete example of an English country house! The Brownlow family moved into Belton House in 1688 and later became the Brownlow Custs. The house held many wonderful treasures and showed the history of the very talented female members of the Cust family. November In November we visited RAF Hendon Museum. We were greeted by Tony who gave us a welcoming introduction so that we knew where to find everything and what a lot at Hendon to view. The ex RAF amongst us had a field day! Those who joined the guided tour were given a very interesting insight into the background and events leading up to and at the time of Battle of Britain. We had time to wander at our leisure through hangers which contained aeroplanes past and present. This was a very popular and important visit for our members. And lastly, a Christmas inspired visit to St Albans where we enjoyed some early Christmas shopping in the festive market and had time to explore the Cathedral and Roman past of St Albans. And so we reach the end of our Outings for 2025. The team are now busy working on next years calendar which we hope will also be bursting with interest and enjoyment. Bye for now Gill, Sue, Lydia, Daphne, Mary and all our regular helpers.

Group Support Team 10 The Team have been busy reviewing our list of groups, updating information and thinking ahead to the New Year. As our membership has now reached 1000 current members (see below) we do have a need for more new groups to open up. With that in mind could all existing full groups have a think about how you can either expand and let more members in, split up and form two groups out of one, or whether a brand new group could be started. We realise existing leaders may not have the time to run additional groups, but we are here to help with all aspects of setting up a new group, from getting the ball rolling by advertising in our newsletters and the website, arranging for a small group to get together to discuss options, helping with venues and offering advice with Beacon and how to finance if necessary. Current group leaders could help by reviewing their waiting lists. If you don’t have one on Beacon, then it is worth starting one to give members a fair chance of joining when spaces do become available. If you need help setting this up,, please ask, as this also enables us to see how many members are waiting, so we can encourage a new group to start if appropriate. If you have space now, then please get in touch with those interested in joining. Group Support Team gst@u3aivo.uk 1000th member Our membership has been growing steadily every year and we are now very proud to have reached 1000 current members (ie. not including previous members who have now left or died). Helen Hughes joined on 15 th November and has the honour of being the 1000 th member! Helen lives in Fenstanton. She retired as Nursing Sister in the Critical Care Unit of Papworth Hospital in 2017, but carried on working Bank shifts at the Royal Papworth Hospital. She also works as an Invigilator at Swavesey Village College where her 4 grown up children attended. She says “I was encouraged to go along to a Tai Chi class at St Ives Corn Exchange with a friend who is already a u3a member. I plan to join the Country Walks and have recently just learned the rules of Canasta, so perhaps another group to investigate. I look forward to meeting more like minded people keeping active both physically and mentally and most importantly having fun.” Welcome Helen! Over 35 new members attended the November New Members Meeting to hear about the diverse range of groups, outings and the forthcoming quiz night along with information on Beacon, and the newsletters. Many thanks to all group leaders and committee members who gave their advice to the new members. Ian Pask New Members

Group News 11 Petanque On November 4th the Pétanque Group celebrated the birthday of its oldest member. Val Atkinson is 95yrs old. The group sang Happy Birthday to her at the coffee break and shared the biscuits that she bought to celebrate. Val so much enjoys playing the game. On November 11th the group stopped playing at 11a.m. for the two minutes silence in remembrance. Roy Meadows Environmental Matters This group is planning to re-start in the New Year and recently met to decide a programme for the first three months. See the website here for more detail: https://stivescambs.u3asite.uk/ u3a_groups/environment-matters/, but briefly, the topics will be: 8 January – Waste and Recycling 5 February – Rivers 5 March – Planning Each topic will be introduced by a group member, but everyone will be encouraged to contribute during the session. These are wide-ranging issues affecting us all, but it is anticipated there will be particular emphasis on their local impact. It will be an opportunity for those with experience of local initiatives to exchange information, but also for anyone with expertise or an interest generally in the subject, to hear from others and contribute to the session. The group will be held in the small meeting room, downstairs at the Methodist Church on The Waits, from 2- 3.30pm, usually on the first Thursday each month (except January). Each member will be asked to contribute £10 subscription at the beginning of the term to cover the room hire cost. The group convenors are Alan Rogers and Mary Gatehouse. They currently have eight enthusiastic members but would welcome new people to join them in January. To sign up for the group, or to find out more, please send an enquiry to Alan via the blue envelope on the web page, or telephone 07458 197372. Groups that have spaces now (at the time of going to press) Canasta https://stivescambs.u3asite.uk/ u3a_groups/canasta/ Singing 4 Pleasure https://stivescambs.u3asite.uk/ u3a_groups/singing-4-pleasure/ Painting for Pleasure https://stivescambs.u3asite.uk/ u3a_groups/painting-for-pleasure/

Spotlight on Creative Writing The quarterly magazine has the space to look at group activities more closely. In this issue Tony Morley, a member of the Creative Writing Group, has submitted a seasonal short story 12 Whether they are part of this group or not, many u3a members feel the need to write at least part of their life experiences for members of their families. They might have felt galvanised by a request from a close family member, perhaps a grandchild. Our aim is to explore different writing styles and discover our own. So far we have emphasised the writing of short stories, and discovered the style that comes naturally to each of us. We have found that stories from real life come easily, and we have all enjoyed writing these and listening to fascinating accounts of others’ lives and experiences. Rachel Hitchcock https://stivescambs.u3asite.uk/u3a_groups/creative-writing/ More Than Coffee by Tony Morley Then to my complete surprise this sorrowful mountain of rags moved. Surely my imagination has taken free rein probably as a result of some inevitable festive over indulgence a short while ago. But no. This is now. And this is real. Our Christmas break in The Lakes had been long planned. A whole week secured; self catering in the aptly named ‘Holly Cottage’ in festive Grasmere, no work or other issues to cloud the moment. A time to walk, to talk, to climb and to just indulge ourselves, carefree and relaxed come what may. There is surely immeasurable truth in the well worn words ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is.’ Certainly for us, The Lake District, alive with past memories is that special place. The gut-wrenching climbs to many of the summits. To just stand there as kings of all we survey from on high, the ultimate gratified fulfilment. The flask of hot tea, at such times is a taste beyond comparison. This evening we have truly indulged ourselves. We have enjoyed a traditional style Christmas fayre in the glowing firelight of a roasting log fire are just relaxing over half-filled brandy bowls, golden and glistening in the firelight. The spirit of Christmas and goodwill truly lives at these very moments. Jez, curled up cat-like in the armchair, settled, her eyes begin to close. For me the firelight accentuates the warmth. I feel the need for some fresh air and perhaps a late stroll before bed. Excusing myself I prepare a steaming hot flask of coffee to take with me before stepping out into the cold dark night, suitably clad against the freezing temperature. A gentle down hill walk leads me towards the village shops where in a darken doorway I come across a what seems to be a bundle of rags and soiled blankets piled up on the half shelter of the local charity shop. As I pause to clear my throat, the moisture turns

to vapour in the cold night air. Then to my complete surprise the bundle of rags begins to move. A head emerges the face is that of a woman of indeterminate age, bedraggled and careworn. To set her at rest I silently crouch down, intending to offer assurance that she need not be afraid of this man. Nonplussed, I find myself saying. “Hey! I just wanted to say hello and to wish you a quiet and peaceful Christmas.” The old woman cautiously begins to relax, realising I mean her no harm. Relief spreads across her countenance, an experience which I guess she rarely encounters. Drawing in a shallow breath she responds in a timorous voice. “Thank you dearie, and the same to you. But no, I have no plans and will just endure the day, just like any other and hope for better things in the future. And my name is Jane. ” Trying hard not to stare, I became aware of her long grey matted hair framing a weather- worn face, deeply lined with hardship - but perhaps younger in years than her countenance suggests. She has teeth missing and those that remain are deeply nicotine stained; her fingers are gnarled and ringless. However the third finger of her left hand a fail pale mark. This finger twitches erratically while clutching a thinly rolled unlit cigarette. A coughing spasm erupts from deep inside of her as she conjures what looks like a grey dishcloth from beneath the blanket coverings. She covers her mouth, depositing the contents of her lungs in it before again removing it from sight. Desperate to offer some measure of comfort to this beleaguered soul, but not knowing exactly what, I fumble out a ramble of words without proper thought. “Surely Jane, there must be a shelter of sorts , a hostel or maybe even a soup kitchen close by, that could help you with a homely Christmas even if you don’t have a family to share Christmas with.” Her assertive response comes as a total shock. “I never said I didn’t have a family, because I do.” Jane’s manner becomes insistent and surprisingly, carries a note of pride.. “I was once a teacher and my husband is a surgeon in Oxford where he and my children currently live. I think of them a lot and especially at this time of year. ” I find myself totally nonplussed, unable to comprehend how such a situation could possibly exist so I decide to keep my own counsel. Thoughts flash through my mind. This poor and lonely soul was once a source of knowledge and was probably a pillar of society with a professional husband and family. How on earth could this situation of immeasurable extremes could possibly have come about? There are surely more questions than answers, rendering my good intentions both feeble and useless. I mean well but find myself truly out of my depth. Retreat is surely my only option. I stand, ready to leave, as Jane is again overtaken by a deep and lasting smokers cough, racking her frail body. On impulse, I edge gently forward and place the unopened flask in front of her. “God bless and protect you,” is all I can come up with. I turn silently, intending to walk away. Then perhaps my imagination but I seem to hear a quiet and timorous voice “I love you.” Christmas has visited me with an unexpected but most needed dose of awareness of life’s realities. With my thoughts in turmoil, I make my way back to Holly Cottage and a life, until now, taken too much for granted. And there unnoticed in the gathering darkness, snowflakes, silent as memory fall lightly on all mankind. Creative Writing 13

In their own words 16 I do enjoy receiving items about members’ interests outside the u3a. This month Kathy Meadows tells us about her amazing wing walking experience and Kim Perry has sent in a lovely poem. Please send your activities/hobbies to Anne at editor@u3aivo.uk Wing walking flight It was my birthday and my husband gave me a lovely red box. I untied it and I found my present was a wing walking experience! This wasn't something I had thought of doing, but have done a couple of exciting acrobatic flights previously, but inside the plane! However off we went on 25th September to Sywell airfield, for my experience. There were 5 or 6 people there when we arrived awaiting their experience. We went through the safety aspect of what we were to do. The nerves started tickling in my tummy, and unfortunately as we were last to arrive, I was last to go. Everyone came down smiling, so was slightly reassured! I got togged up ready! Double tie shoe laces, can't wear hats, wear gloves! Finally my turn! Most difficult thing is pulling yourself up onto the wing of the plane, hauling yourself into the cockpit and then hauling yourself onto the wing of the plane and perching on the seat. There was a young lady (she was one of the acrobatics team that do displays around the world) to fasten me to the frame and secure me. So off the plane trundled over the bumpy air field, and then we were going up. A deep breath was necessary, telling myself you can't fall off, be strong! When plane wing dipped as we were circling it was scary. Amazing views of trees and lake below and I started to enjoy it! A few minutes later and we were starting to land, my exhilarating experience was over! It was quite an experience. Having completed that trip, I could now participate in an acrobatics flight! I don't think I will participate in that, I would rather do an acrobatic flight inside the plane, not outside it! All perfectly safe, and a good experience . Kathy Meadows

Poem by Kim Perry 17 Happy Place by the Sea The wind subsides. Sea aster, lavender hunker down determined to keep a hold in the mudflats on the foreshore behind the shifting dunes and beneath the pines. A happy place. Breathe. Feel calm. I’m delighted with it all. Carpets of limonium with indigo buds, edge the oceans of sea lettuce and mallow which conceals a secret. Known to some. Snow bunting, shore larks camouflaged on nests of speckled eggs. They shoot up suddenly, A straight line to the sky. A joy to behold. I breathe it all in. This wondrous thing. Nature to enthral. A backdrop of Corsican pine with young Holm oaks dappled between, searching for light. Heaps of needles and squirrel nibbled cones cushion the ground as Creeping Lady’s Tresses and creamy yellow honeysuckle catches our eye. The elusive crossbill and twite flitter and flutter above, whilst long tailed tits feed their young and chatter all day. The sweet, dappled sunlight and sandy paths lead our way, and, the sound of the sea is not far away. Turn seaward and the magnificent dunes. Shifting sandy sculptures can vanish, can move a metre or so over a day. Here, hunting wasps, solitary bees and assassin flies search for their prey. As rudder darters and little terns fly busy and free, oyster catchers echo Peep Pip Peep pip, peep pip in the sky. Ringed plovers dibble along the shoreline in comical sways, and grey seals, like tree trunks roll in the surf. And, behind all this, the salt marsh where sea water meets fresh. A unique place, exquisite and full of life. Spoonbills and brent geese fly in blue skies whilst fluffy clouds meander by. Majestic and calm. A curlew feeds silently just in front and avocets sweep their way through the silt. Here and there, hares box one another and deers quietly graze, knee deep in fresh water. A fabulous place. I take a deep breath, close my eyes and open my arms as wide as can be. My happy place by the sea. Kim Perry

Your Committee and Other Posts Peter Cooper Chair, Web Manager Brian Gilmour Vice Chair, Open Meetings Team Bob Wilson Treasurer Ian Brennand Membership Secretary Sheila Louth Secretary, Theatre Trips Team, MOTO Anne Bannell Trustee, Newsletter, Group Support Team Sue Belcher Trustee, Outings Team Roy Moyser Trustee, Philosophy Group Leader Ian Pask Trustee, Member Engagement Team Gill Jones Trustee, Walking Groups Stella Joyner Trustee, Events Team Brenda Kenney Trustee, Group Support Team John Ralph Publicity, Open Meetings Team Sue Ralph Publicity, Open Meetings Team Joy Cooper Beacon Admin, Group Support Team Lydia Harris Outings Team 18 Share your skills at u3a Festival 26 u3a Festival 26 is coming to the University of York from 1-3 July 2026, promising three inspiring days of learning, laughter, and connection. The organisers are looking for members to lead workshops and sessions and we’re especially keen to find performers and leaders for music workshops, along with speakers on both fun and more academic topics. If you have a talent to share or a talk to give, please get in touch at festival@u3a.org.uk. u3a Festival 26

National u3a Website 19 While we have our own excellent local website, newsletters and quarterly magazine, there is also an enormous amount of interesting information on the national website - https://www.u3a.org.uk/ Their Learn and Share activities cover a wide range of interests for all u3a members to get involved in - from challenges and projects to competitions. Some are one-off events and others run over an ongoing period of time. Go to their website, then Learn, then Learning Activities: https://www.u3a.org.uk/learning/learning-activities

St Ives Library St Ives Library Wishing all customers a Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the New Year. We have a Cuppa and Mince Pies event 10 till 12 on Saturday 13th December—all welcome. Come and get some festive cheer. Lots of things going on in 2026 so look out for our exciting library events in the New Year. Festive Stays 2025 Could you lay an extra place at your table this Christmas for an international student? Each year the charity EIL UK receives hundreds of applications from international students studying at British universities hoping to experience Christmas or New Year in a British home. If you could offer friendship and host an overseas university student for a 3-night stay between 24 th and 27 th December 2025, drop us a line at host@eiluk.org to find out more about this rich and rewarding experience and how you can be part of the HOST UK programme. 20

Burgess Hall, The Norris Museum 21 Burgess Hall Best in Comedy Christmas Special Saturday 13th December

Screen St Ives, Corn Exchange Thursday 4th December 7.30pm The Corn Exchange 22

Slepe Hall, Free Church, 23 Sip & Stitch Slepe Hall 3rd December 7-9pm For more information or to book your free place, please call us on 01480 877630, or email beverley.tyrrell@careuk.com

A selection of seasonally inspired artwork from Art Club u3aivo.uk